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Canada got the last hurrah at the Celebration of Light Saturday evening, closing the three-night event with a winning display. Canada was declared the winner of the event, with Brazil and China finishing second and third, respectively.

“We always try to have something for every demographic, and to have a blend of new music as well as bands and artists that appeal to everybody in the region,” said the PNE’s Laura Ballance.

“I think this year we have artists that have cross-appeal; The Jacksons will be a great show.”

The Jacksons (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon) will be making their first local appearance since they played BC Place with their late brother Michael in 1984.

Genghis Khan will be making his first local appearance, period. Which is saying something, given that he died about 886 years ago.

Genghis Khan: The Exhibition will attempt to continue the buzz brought by a Star Trek exhibit that drew 90,000 people at the PNE last year. It will be in Rollerland, and offers the masses a chance to check out an assortment of “incredible, authentic artifacts and weapons” from the man who terrorized Eurasia in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Anticipating a higher turnout for its concert lineup, the fair has moved its nightly shows to the old demolition derby site just outside Playland, which has been home to the Motorsports program in recent years. (The old centre grounds stage will be operating as well, with acts such as Dal Richards.)

The new venue is called the WestJet Concert Stage. About 700 reserved seats in front of the stage will be offered for $15 to $20, while the 4,500 bleacher seats will be free. With standing room the venue can pack in about 6500 people.

PNE president Mike McDaniel said the fair has dropped admission from $20 to $16, with a similar drop in parking costs. The fair is also offering a coupon book that will have up to $300 in discounts.

“What we heard loud and clear was that people wanted us to concentrate on creating more value for them,” said McDaniel.

“We’ve spent the entire year putting plans together for that. We wanted to make it easier for people to come.”

Last year’s attendance dipped to 750,000, probably because of the slow economy. So the PNE decided to chop the first two Mondays from the 17-day fair, which were traditionally the slowest days and lost approximately $250,000 per day.

McDaniel said the PNE has put the $500,000 savings into cutting ticket prices, as well as bringing in big-name entertainment.

“We spend about $13/$14 million to produce the fair, and we’re hoping to take in about $17 million,” he said.

“So the fair is a money-making entity, and helps pay for all the non-revenue generating stuff that we do throughout the year. That’s what we’re hoping. But it’s a big difference if 750,000 people come, or 800,000 people come.”

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